Annona montana, the mountain soursop, is a tree and its edible fruit in the Annonaceae family native to Central America, the Amazon, and islands in the Caribbean. It has fibrous fruits. A. montana may be used as a rootstock for cultivated Annonas.

Etymology and common names

The Latin specific epithet montana refers to mountains or "coming from mountains".

Description

The tree is similar to Annona muricata, but has a more spreading crown and glossy leaves. It is slightly hardier and bears fruit throughout the year. It tolerates brief temperature drops down to 24 F when full grown. Its pollen is shed as permanent tetrads. The fruits are nearly round, with dark green skin covered with many short fleshy spines, and are about 15 cm long. Yellow, fibrous pulp – which is aromatic – is sour and bitter, containing many light-brown, plump seeds. There is history of its use as a traditional medicine.

Distribution

A. montana grows wild at altitudes from 0 m to 650 m. Its natural distribution is: